Those making NFL picksare trying to get a headstart on the next campaign, even though no one knows when that is going to kick off. The schedules have been released, and today it’s time to look at the Dallas slate for the 2011 NFL Schedule (tentatively) season. The Cowboys missed the playoffs last season thanks to a tough first half and an injury to their start quarterback, but they have an excellent chance to make it back to the postseason based on this season’s schedule.

2011 NFL Schedule Dallas Cowboys- The preseason slate kicks off on August 11th, at home against Dallas, followed by a home game nine days later against San Diego, and then the Cowboys head out to Minnesota and Miami. The real fun begins on September 11th, and 2011 Preakness Stakes Odds betting players know how important it is to have a fast start. The Cowboys open the season on Sunday night in New Jersey to face the Jets in their first of five primetime games this season, but it gets a little easier for Dallas after that as they head to San Francisco, a Monday night home game against their NFC East rivals from Washington, and a visit from Detroit.

The Cowboys have an early bye in Week 5, and they’ll probably need that extra week to prepare as they head to New England before hosting St. Louis in Week 7. Another division game follows that as the Cowboys travel to Philadelphia (a Sunday night game), then they have a good shot at back-to-back wins when Seattle and Buffalo visit “Jerry’s World”. The Cowboys visit Washington and then four days later, Dallas hosts their annual Thanksgiving extravaganza when Miami comes to town. Even though NHL news will be starting to ramp up in November, the Cowboys will still be the lead story in Dallas at this time of year.

December begins with a trip to Arizona, followed by a visit from the New York Giants, who were responsible for Tony Romo’s clavicle injury, and this game against another division rival will be a Sunday night affair. The Cowboys head to Tampa Bay before two more NFC East games close out the slate, a visit from Philadelphia on Christmas Eve, and another trip to the Meadowlands to take on the Giants on New York Day.

The Cowboys’ schedule ranks T-15 in terms of toughness, based on last year’s records, but the second half of their 2010 campaign should give hope. Dallas looked much better under Jason Garrett, and now that he is definitely the man in charge, the signs are good for the Cowboys to make it back to the playoffs. Expectations will be high in Dallas as always, so be sure to check out their online sports betting odds. Also take a look at Compare Sports Odds and 2011 Kentucky Derby results.